bdaniels@wcpss.net

Hello Unicorn family! My name is Ben Daniels, and I am the PE Teacher here at North Ridge! I have been teaching in North Carolina for the past 14 years, and this is my 10th in Wake County, but this is my first year at NRES. I am very happy to be here at such a great school!

I grew up in the mountains of Southwest Virginia and am a very proud Virginia Tech Hokie alum. My wife is also an elementary school teacher for WCPSS, and we have two wonderful children ages 6 and 3.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and exercising. We also love to go to the beach and the mountains.

Let's make this another great year, Unicorns!

Hello Unicorn Families! I am Mrs. Diaz or Mrs. Alexander if you ask my husband and friends. I was born and raised in Colombia but have been living in Raleigh since 2016. My husband is George, and we have two black rescue puppies, Teddy and Coco. I love the beach, summer, reading, kickboxing, and hiking. 

I graduated from a High School with an Emphasis on Early Childhood Education and Pedagogical Training and I absolutely loved it. Ever since 6th grade we were learning about how to become a teacher and the importance of being one. Once I was in 9th grade, I got to be a helper to elementary school teachers and eventually, in my last two years of school, I got to teach kindergarten and it truly has been one of my favorite experiences.

mlingenheld@wcpss.net

My name is Megan Lingenheld and I have been a teacher since 2010! I grew up in Raleigh and went to school right down the street from North Ridge Elementary! Although I started at NC State, I got my undergraduate and Master's degree in Elementary Education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where I taught for 4 years. I moved back to Raleigh in 2014 and have been teaching in Wake County ever since. I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades! When I am not at school, you will find me hiking with my dogs, reading, doing yoga, traveling as many places as possible, and spending time with family and friends. I am so excited to partner with you this year as we help your student be the best they can be!

elarson@wcpss.net 

Hello Unicorns! My name is Erika Larson, and I am so excited to be here! 

I have been living and teaching in Wake County since 2014. I have taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades before earning my Masters and becoming a School Media Specialist. This is my second year in the library, but my first with NRES. 

I was born in New York, and grew up there. When I was 21, I joined the Air Force and relocated to Texas, where I lived until 2014. During that time, I met my husband, Frank. We have been together since 2007 and have a beautiful blended family of Austin, Kamryn, and Alex. 

Austin and his wife, Emily are living in Oregon and enjoying being dog parents to Zoe and Leo. Kamryn lives in Raleigh and is focusing on her career and being a cat mom to Lucky. Alex just started high school, and is gaining a love of engineering and robotics! We have 3 cats: Ziggy, Zags, and Bella, as well as a turtle called Sochi. 

You can usually find us at a concert with our friends, running off for a weekend away, or relaxing at home with games and tv.

tnia@wcpss.net 

sroache@wcpss.net

I am a Raleigh native and grew up right here in North Raleigh! I have a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Columbia College, SC, and loved teaching music for over a decade. In January 2023, I became dual certified, adding Visual Arts Education to my tool belt. I love helping students find a love of learning through cross-curricular exploration within a visual arts setting. 

When I'm not at school, I love being inside creating art; unless it's snowing, then I love being outside. The colder the weather the happier I am! My favorite animal is a koala and my favorite cartoon strip is "Peanuts." I have a dog, Reyna, who is full of personality, insists on wearing clothes, and greets everyone with a smile! 

I am looking forward to an outstanding year creating amazing artwork.